Layout Progress 1/15/14

It looks really nice.

Great job. 

I think it's supposed to rain this weekend too,  can you come work on mine?

Good looking layout.

really nice. can you post a layout diagram?

I used the old Atlas Right Track 8.0 software to map out the design and I don't know if they have a function to export the layout into a pdf. The table is 26 feet long and the widest section is 7.5 feet. Here's a screen shot of the layout and some additional pictures. The minimum curve is O-45. 

Thanks for posting the layout diagram. looks like fun to operate

Steve

Great looking Layout - sheez i need a basement.

-Ted

That is a really nice setup. Can I ask a few ????

I noticed you made all the framework and legs out of 1 x 4,s. My layout is going to be a Lazy L (5 X 9 X 11) I am pretty sure I am going to add a 2x3 dropout section so I can get into the corner for maintance and repairs if needed. How does this work out for you instead of using 2x4 lumber?

Also you made all the upper deck with 1 x 4 ?
How did you create the hills under the platforms for the upper levels. We have seen so many youtube videos with many different ways to accomplish hills and mountains. We are expecting to try our hands at Foam boards and also those Plaster of Paris sheets with a chicken wire backing. My COMPLETE layout will also be on wheels as I have to keep it wedged into the corner except for getting behind it for service.

Any answer or help is most appreciated.

When I began building the benchwork for the layout I felt that the 1x4 lumber was sufficient. I built the layout in sections and then screwed everything together as one large layout. As I work in each section of the layout I've added a lot of supports and it's worked for me. The more weight that goes onto the table has increased the sturdiness.

All of the mountains/hills are made of Plaster of Paris. The rock molds that make up the mountains are from Woodland Scenics. I have 4 molds with multiple rock shapes that I use. I'll use wood and thick paper to create the mountain topography and then cover all of it with window screen which is flexible and covers it nicely. Then I use joint compound on the back of the rock molds and press the molds into place on the screen. The joint compound dries into the screen and holds it well. Then I fill in all of the gaps between the rocks with joint compound and let it dry. I paint the mountain scene by hand and seal everything with Woodland Scenics spray glue.

Let me know if you have any more questions. I just set up a YouTube channel this week so that I can document the progress I make on my layout. The layout is named the Keystone Columbia Railroad and here's the link if you want to check it out.  

https://www.youtube.com/channe...l-UOz9QQWBnu2NqLB-0A       

PERFECT !!

Thanks for the reply.

Everything you did is what I wanted to do, except I kept getting mixed signals from soooo many youtube videos. Today I spoke to my wife and instead of going to the Train Show in Allentown PA this weekend we are getting started with the build. A couple of pots of coffee, some late night pizza and I am ready to build into the nite. I will keep you posted. I also was planning on using chicken wire, but window screen is probably just as good to hold everything in place. I heard that Joint Compound takes much longer to dry and cure than Original Plaster of Paris. Whats your thought on that. I also have 8 different molds for rocks and boulders. I have been making them for the past 2 months. Our layout is going to be all scenery with Trees, mountains and hills. NO city at all. Just a Hobo Village, a Passenger station and very few little houses tucked into the mountains.

Thanks in advance for your reply.

I just watched your YouTube Video...Pretty nice.

NOTE: I lost the audio at about 9:01 and then it cam back about 2 minutes later. Not sure if it was my SLOW DSL or a glitch in your upload.

At first I tried using Plaster of Paris as the adhesive to apply the rock molds to the screen and to fill in all of the gaps. It was a pain because the Plaster of Paris dried so fast and I had to keep mixing new batches of it. The joint compound does take longer to dry but it's easier to work with. Once I apply it I'll turn on a fan to let it dry overnight and then start painting.

Good luck with your layout work this weekend!     

You have done a terrific job with the track  design and construction of your model railroad.

And the scenery is coming along very well. You have an artist touch.

Thank you for the nice compliments!

Just saw these pics.....very nicely done!

Peter

You sure are good at Model RailRoading. And I bet you are having fun.I really enjoyed your photos.  Steve

I envy your skills!

Excellent work.  I love to view layouts that are like yours.  Please keep the pix headed our way as you work on it.

Really nice work.  Neat benchwork and nice scenery.

I enjoied looking at your progress photos , nice work!